Infection Prevention & Control

Whether you are a student, staff, faculty or visitor, Oakland University cares about your health and well-being. That is why OU instituted the Infection Prevention and Control Committee (IPCC). The committee's efforts are designed to decrease the risk of infection within the university community.

Come Prepared

Spring and Summer 2017

Spring and summer breaks mean an escape from the daily grind and possibly some traveling. While most students will have a safe and enjoyable adventure, for some the trip can become unpleasant due to a whole host of possible diseases, tainted food and drink and health risks. Be prepared. This is your time. You are in charge of your health, safety and well-being. Students should check out the health section at the websitestudents abroad.

It is also a good idea to plan and prepare a travel health kit. The purpose of packing a travel health kit is to ensure travelers have supplies they need to manage minor health problems, manage pre-existing medical conditions and prevent illness. For a more comprehensive list of supplies and preparation, check out the CDC's recommendationshere.

PREVENTION IS PRIMARY.

Update your immunizations as indicated.Whether you are traveling outside the country or within the US, make sure your vaccines are up to date. GHC can evaluate your vaccine status and obtain needed vaccines for local or foreign travel.

Wash your hands with soap and water. If you don't have soap, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Cover coughs and sneezes.

Protect yourself from the sun.Use sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher, a hat or head covering, and sunglasses with UV protection. This includes winter/snow activities!

Drink and eat regularly to stay hydrated.

Practice healthy behaviors. If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. Do not drive if you have been drinking. Use latex condoms if you have sex, and make sure equipment used for tattoos and piercings is clean.

Stay alert, especially in crowds.Choose a place to meet if you get separated from your group. Travel with a friend or in a group rather than going out alone.

Exercise caution when travelling. Wear a helmet when you ride a bike or motorcycle and be careful of crossing the street. If travelling by car, use a seatbelt and remember that some countries drive on the left side of the road.

Follow local laws and customs.

Make a photocopy of your passport to carry with you at all times.

WHEN YOU GET HOME:

Relax! Hopefully your trip included fun and excitement, but if illness and injury were also a part of your trip, make sure you follow up with a health care provider. Be sure to share the details of your itinerary and activities with your provider.

Please help encourage the prevention of infectious diseases among others in the OU community. See below for a variety of posters and brochures for your own use. We encourage you to print your favorites and hang them wherever they may be viewed by others in your area.

Avoid Droplet SpreadInfluenza virus is spread from person to person when an infected individual coughs or sneezes and sends small droplets through the air; this is known as “droplet spread”. Droplets become airborne and can land on the mouth or nose of people who are in close proximity. They can also land on any surface and contaminate an individual who touches the surface and then touches their own nose or mouth, or someone else’s, before washing their hands. Even though hand washing, social distancing and vaccination offer, perhaps the best defense against transmission of disease, the disinfection of environmental surfaces and the use of appropriate personal protective products can play an important role in keeping you healthy.

Recommended Equipment and Supplies

Personal ProtectionIn addition to avoiding close contact, avoid touching your nose and mouth and wash your hands frequently. In the event that you must come into contact with potentially contaminated surfaces, you can further protect yourself by wearing gloves.

Currently, CDC does not recommend the use of masks as an influenza control strategy in non-healthcare settings. Since adults are contagious 1 day before symptoms appear and up to 5 days after onset of illness, practicing appropriate cough etiquette, including hand hygiene, is a far more effective means to limit transmission of disease. Although not recommended for departmental planning purposes, if desired, filtering facemasks are available for purchase.

As part of a complete infection and prevention program, utilizing disinfectants to maintain your office area, telephone and other work surfaces free of germs is a good idea. In addition, the use of hand sanitizers with a minimum of 60% alcohol is recommended when access to soap and running water is not practical. It is recommended that departments consider their needs with regards to protection and disinfection as part of regular infection control techniques and as it relates to business continuity planning in the event of a University closure.

How to OrderOU employees can purchase effective sanitizers and disinfectants from a variety of approved vendors including Grainger and Detroit Pencil Company.